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January 14, 2022
Dear Residents and Families,
Over the past month we have seen infection rates rapidly rise across the state. The speed of transmission and total number of cases bring back memories of the dark days of March and April of 2020. But this is not then. Owing largely to vaccines and boosters, infections are generally milder. Concerns around PPE, testing capacity, and general knowledge of the disease, things that occupied so much of our mental energy at the beginning of the pandemic, are non-factors. The only real parallel is with challenges related to staff being out due to infection, but even here we are better positioned than we were 22 months ago. In all areas we are much better prepared for this wave.
The next several weeks are going to be incredibly challenging, but in a month or two, things could be looking very different. Together, we’re going to get through this surge and find ourselves on the other end well positioned to do great things in 2022!
Warmly,
Adam
Adam Berman
President & CEO
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
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January 13, 2022
Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare
Amy Sanders was surrounded by seniors and those who love them at a very young age. Little did she know at the time, but these relationships resulted in a life-long affinity for working with seniors. In fact, Amy has spent over two decades working in the senior living sector. She is now bringing her talents to CJL and we are all thrilled to have her on board.
Born in Virginia just outside of D.C., her parents moved the family to New England when Amy was just a child. She quickly became enamored with the area and all it has to offer, especially the joys of outdoor life.
“My love for exploring the coastline and mountains has grown over the years,” explained Amy. “On weekends, I can be found walking my dog, Mabel, hiking in Vermont, or paddle boarding on Walden Pond, among other outdoor activities. When I am not outside, I enjoy painting, mostly nature scenes on large canvases.”
Amy comes from a large extended family. She was always close to her grandmother, spending half of each summer with her in Virginia throughout her childhood. Throughout those summers she visited with her great-grandmother nearly every day. She had suffered a stroke a few years earlier and she filled Amy’s visits with descriptive stories about her childhood. “Those summers account for some of my fondest childhood memories,” recalled Amy. “
As a teenager, Amy volunteered with Pets on Wheels and visited assisted living communities with her poodle, Chach. “It was a rewarding experience that combined my love of animals with my desire to work with older people,” said Amy. It was also a fitting introduction to life in an assisted living.
When asked about the last two years and the repercussions of the pandemic, Amy acknowledged that it has been challenging both professionally and personally. “It’s been a difficult time for so many of us who care for seniors and other vulnerable populations,” she said thoughtfully. “There were so many complex situations to navigate when the pandemic started in March 2020. On a personal note, my father had cancer and the COVID restrictions drastically changed our visits. I experienced firsthand what many families of residents were feeling in being unable to experience visits and hugs. Eventually my father began to adjust to frequent FaceTime chats, but it was a difficult transition.”
Looking forward, Amy is excited about joining the CJL organization. “Today, I feel so fortunate to work in the assisted living communities that are part of the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare family,” said Sanders. “I truly enjoy bringing together like-minded people who are kind and support seniors so they can maintain their independence. For me, this organization is the perfect fit!”
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January 14, 2022
Staff and residents rang in 2022 with a lively and spirited staff parade. Due to current COVID protocols, it was not possible to hold one big party as in past years, but thanks to creative planning, our residents enjoyed a wonderful New Year’s Eve. The Activities Staff went room-to-room distributing hats, tiaras, horns, party blowouts, necklaces, sweet treats and holiday cheer. Everyone was in great spirits. We are all looking forward to a very happy and healthy 2022.
Over at Kaplan in December, the Celebration of Winter Holidays around the world was a huge success. The informative program was followed by an eggnog and hot chocolate bar party with our residents enjoying the delicious beverages while socializing with their friends at Kaplan.
The Dementia Special Care Unit welcomed new staff member Wyler Grant. Take a look at the Q&A in this newsletter for more information about Wyler and her new role.
Although the surge in COVID cases across the state temporarily stopped activities as of January 6, our amazing residents remain cheerful, optimistic and very understanding. We salute your amazing spirit!
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January 13, 2022
January is designated as National Soup Month, and appropriately so. After all, what is more soothing than a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day? At Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, residents and staff alike look forward to the mouth-watering soups prepared daily by Michael Millard and his staff. Michael, who is the beloved Food Service Director at Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, believes soup is the perfect menu item. “Soups are the original one-dish meal, incredibly satisfying and extremely flavorful,” commented Millard. “Everyone just loves a bowl of soup.”
By far the hands-down favorite soup among residents is Michael’s delicious Chicken Matzo Ball Soup. There are many variations, with recipes often handed down in families one from one generation to the next. For Michael, the secret to the ultimate chicken soup is making the broth from scratch. “We never use canned both; we always make the base of the soup by simmering quartered bone-in chickens and then straining the liquid, “explains Millard. “It makes all the difference in the world as far as the taste.” Millard occasionally varies the soup by adding noodles, rice or kreplach instead of the matzo balls, however the matzo ball version continues to be the most popular.
Showcasing approximately 15 different soups, the CJL soup menu offers a variety of tastes and textures. Michael’s personal favorite: lentil soup. “It’s super nutritious, substantial and extremely versatile. I make a thick hearty stew or a light vegetable broth, depending upon what’s fresh and what’s in season,” said Millard.” Other soups in the rotation include Split Pea, Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Spinach, Navy Bean, Cream of Broccoli, French Onion, Cream of Carrot, Carrot Potato Chowder, Tomato Rice, and Vegetable and Mushroom Barley.
When asked about his least popular soup, Michael was quick to respond. “A few years ago I made a carrot ginger soup that was definitely not a big hit with the residents,” he recalled with a laugh. “But it’s fun to experiment with new recipes and surprise the residents,” he added. “They are very receptive to new recipes.”
With National Soup Month now underway, it seems clear that the appeal of soup is universal. And fortunately for us, homemade soup will remain a year-round staple at CJL. The best news of all: soup is featured on the dinner menu seven days a week. How comforting.
Chelsea Jewish Lifecare Matzo Ball Chicken Soup
Serves 10-12
Ingredients:
- 2 kosher 3 1/2lb roasting chickens, cut in quarters
- 12-14 cups water
- 4 stalks celery with leaves
- 2 large onions, halved
- 6 medium carrots, peeled and ends chopped off
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pepper to taste
- 1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley
- ¼ cup chopped dill, plus a few sprigs for garnish
- Matzo balls, noodles, kreplach or rice
Directions:
- Put the chicken in a very large pot and pour in about 12–14 cups water, making sure the chicken is covered. With the pot uncovered, bring to a boil, using a slotted spoon to skim and discard the foam that accumulates. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the celery, onions, carrots, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Cook, partially covered, for 2-3 hours. Skim occasionally as foam appears.
- Remove the chicken, veggies and herbs from the pot and set aside. Strain the soup through a sieve or colander, returning the clear broth to a clean pot. Shred the chicken and add to broth. Discard the onions and parsley. Roughly chop the carrots and celery and add them back into the soup. Heat until hot but not boiling.
- To serve, spoon the soup into bowls. Add one matzah ball (or noodles, rice or kreplach) and garnish with dill or parsley.
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January 11, 2022
Born and raised in Woodland Hills, California, Wyler Graft spent two years traveling around the world, visiting 22 countries in total. She loved experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and sampling local cuisines. Now settled in Nahant with Alex, her boyfriend of eight years, Wyler feels fortunate to be able to walk on the beach every day. In fact, she loves being outdoors in general. You will often find her walking, hiking, and playing sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Wyler is grateful she’s able to work in a field that she enjoys immensely. We spoke with Wyler about her role in the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare organization and her inspiring work with our dementia residents.
Q. Why did you decide to work with seniors?
A. I was very close to my grandmother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at a young age. My mother, a nurse, devoted 15 years of her life taking care of my grandmother in our home. Her illness had a profound and enduring impact on me. The care, compassion, patience, and devotion that I witnessed from my mother inspired me to behave toward others with the same degree of kindness and respect. I saw, first-hand, how devastating the disease is not only for the individual, but for close friends, family members, and caretakers. As a result, I decided to study psychology, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Sacramento State University.
After graduating, I felt a desire to work with seniors, specifically seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. I vividly remember my mom tried to keep my grandmother entertained and stimulated, finding creative activities to keep her mind busy and her spirits high. When I learned that an Activities position at the Brudnick Center was available, all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
Q. What stands out most about individuals living with dementia?
A. For me, the most rewarding aspect is developing connections and relationships with each resident. Breakthroughs such as smiling, singing, or talking makes me feel like I’ve cracked an age long code! As the care relationship grows, residents come to rely on you, trust you, and respect you. It’s such a special role to play in someone’s life. There is no population I would rather work with than individuals living with dementia. Most importantly, I feel honored to be a part of the DSCU.
Q. What do you like best about working in the Chelsea Jewish Lifecare organization?
A. Being part of the CJL Family provides me with the opportunity for education and growth. The team-oriented organization makes it easy for me to further my education by helping with licensing programs. Moreover, they are always willing to hire from within. I feel incredibly supported and equally challenged by my supervisors, which makes going to work every day a meaningful and rewarding experience. I believe I have found my calling, my purpose, and my joy. It’s a wonderful feeling.
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January 10, 2022
Family feedback is truly invaluable to our staff. We continually ask our families for feedback about their experiences in our residences and we are so appreciative of their responses. Take a look at some recent comments. They really do help us be the best we can be.
“The ease of the conversation during our care plan meeting helped me feel confident that the nursing staff has a good handle on my mom’s care.”
“We feel that Mom is in an organization that has a heart. We are fortunate that she was able to get her care at your facility.”
“During visits, I like to see how respectful, kind and gentle the staff acts with the residents.”
“Even when busy, the staff is always courteous.”
“Being able to sit and play board games in the library makes my dad feel like he is at home.”
“The ease of the conversation during our care plan meeting helped me feel confident that the nursing staff has a good handle on my mom’s care.”
“I appreciate your efforts under difficult health mandate circumstances!”
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